EY Consulting (Parthenon) Salary: Pay by Level and Career Path

Key Insights:

• An EY Consulting salary ranges from $58,000 for interns to $483,000 for partners, with steady progression across career levels.
• An EY consultant salary typically falls between $87,000 and $128,000, with EY-Parthenon consultants earning up to $136,000 annually.
• The EY senior consultant salary averages $95,000 to $137,000, while EY-Parthenon senior consultants can reach nearly $200,000 with stronger bonuses.
• An EY manager salary ranges from $141,000 to $217,000, but EY-Parthenon managers earn up to $285,000 with higher incentive pay.
• The highest paying role is the EY partner salary, ranging from $264,000 to $483,000, while EY-Parthenon partners can exceed $650,000 annually.

Curious about how much EY consultants earn and how salaries progress across levels? An EY Consulting salary is competitive within the Big 4, ranging from interns to partners, with compensation increasing steadily at each step. For example, an EY consultant salary often falls between $87,000 and $128,000 annually, with higher pay for senior consultants, managers, and partners. Compensation includes base pay, performance bonuses, and other incentives, making it an attractive option for aspiring consultants.

In this article, we will explore EY Consulting salary by level, compare pay with EY-Parthenon and MBB firms, and highlight key insights into career growth and compensation.

Does EY consulting pay well?

An EY Consulting salary is competitive within the Big 4, with interns earning about $58,000 annually and partners reaching up to $483,000. Pay increases consistently across levels, and total compensation includes base pay, bonuses, and other benefits.

EY’s salary progression looks like this:

• Interns: $58,000 to $83,000 annually (annualized)
• Associates: $69,000 to $103,000 annually
• Consultants: $87,000 to $128,000 annually
• Senior consultants: $95,000 to $137,000 annually
• Managers: $141,000 to $217,000 annually
• Partners: $264,000 to $483,000 annually

Each step brings higher responsibility, more client-facing work, and greater bonus potential. Consulting rewards long hours and strong performance with steady pay growth and career advancement opportunities.

Key takeaways:

• Clear progression from entry-level to partner
• Performance bonuses grow with seniority
• Compensation is a mix of base salary and incentives
• EY compares well within the Big 4, though MBB salaries are typically higher

For most candidates, EY offers strong base salaries paired with professional growth and competitive benefits.

How much does a consultant at EY get paid?

An EY consultant salary in the US typically ranges from $87,000 to $128,000 per year, combining base pay with performance bonuses. Associates earn slightly less, while consultants take on more client-facing responsibilities that justify the higher pay.

EY’s consultant-level pay includes:

• Associates: $69,000 to $103,000 annually
• Consultants: $87,000 to $128,000 annually

Consultants earn more than associates because they travel frequently, manage projects directly with clients, and handle higher-stakes responsibilities. This role often comes with daily stipends for meals, accommodations, and travel expenses, which are not reflected in base salary figures.

At EY-Parthenon, pay for consultants is slightly higher overall. Associates and consultants earn $90,000 to $136,000 annually, with larger bonuses and other compensation included. This means EY-Parthenon consultants often match or exceed their EY counterparts.

For context, MBB firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain generally pay consultants 10 to 20 percent more at the same level, though EY’s compensation is competitive within the Big 4.

Key points to note:

• Associates start lower but quickly transition to consultant pay levels
• Consultants benefit from client-facing stipends and travel perks
• EY-Parthenon roles often pay more due to higher bonus packages
• EY remains a strong option for candidates seeking early responsibility and solid compensation

What is the EY senior consultant salary by level?

An EY senior consultant salary usually ranges from $95,000 to $137,000 annually, while senior associates earn slightly less at $89,000 to $132,000. Compensation at this level reflects advanced project management skills, experience, and often MBA credentials.

EY senior-level pay breakdown:

• Senior Associates: $89,000 to $132,000 annually
• Senior Consultants: $95,000 to $137,000 annually

At EY-Parthenon, senior roles command even higher pay. Senior associates earn $104,000 to $158,000, while senior consultants can make $134,000 to $198,000, boosted by stronger performance bonuses and additional compensation.

Compared to MBB firms, EY Consulting salaries for senior roles are slightly lower, though EY-Parthenon narrows the gap with McKinsey-level pay. BCG and Bain typically remain higher overall.

What to know about senior roles at EY:

• Salaries reflect MBA or significant prior experience
• Bonuses grow substantially at this stage
• EY-Parthenon offers higher compensation than core EY Consulting
• Career growth often leads to manager promotion within 2 to 3 years

How much does an EY manager earn?

An EY manager salary ranges from $141,000 to $217,000 per year, with about 25 percent of income tied to bonuses and additional compensation. Managers lead project teams, oversee client delivery, and play a critical role in practice development.

EY manager compensation:

• Base salary: $111,000 to $160,000
• Bonus: $8,000 to $15,000
• Other compensation: $22,000 to $41,000
• Total: $141,000 to $217,000

At EY-Parthenon, manager pay is significantly higher, ranging from $183,000 to $285,000. This reflects larger bonus packages and greater opportunities for profit-sharing or incentive-based pay.

For comparison, McKinsey and Bain managers often earn more than double the EY Consulting range, while EY-Parthenon managers are closer to MBB figures and well above some Big 4 peers.

Key details for EY managers:

• A larger share of pay comes from bonuses and incentives
• EY-Parthenon managers benefit from stronger additional compensation
• The role requires balancing client projects with team leadership and business development
• Manager level is often a stepping stone toward director or partner promotion

What is the highest paying role at EY consulting?

The highest paying role at EY is the EY partner salary, ranging from $264,000 to $483,000 annually. Over half of partner income comes from bonuses, equity, or profit-sharing, making this level the most lucrative in consulting.

EY partner compensation:

• Base salary: $150,000 to $270,000
• Bonus: $28,000 to $53,000
• Other compensation: $85,000 to $160,000
• Total: $264,000 to $483,000

EY-Parthenon partners earn even more, ranging from $372,000 to $661,000 annually. This makes EY-Parthenon one of the highest-paying divisions in the Big 4 at partner level.

Compared to MBB partners, EY salaries are lower overall. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain partner packages frequently exceed $700,000, though EY remains attractive for professionals aiming for leadership within a Big 4 context.

Important points about partner pay:

• More than half of compensation comes from profit-sharing or equity
• Significant variation exists depending on geography and practice area
• EY-Parthenon partner salaries are closer to MBB benchmarks
• This role comes with both financial reward and firm leadership responsibilities

How much do Big 4 consultants make compared to EY?

Big 4 consultant salaries vary, but EY falls in the middle of the range. While an EY Consulting salary averages $87,000 to $128,000 at consultant level, peers at Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG may earn slightly more or less depending on role and location.

General Big 4 consultant pay:

• Deloitte: $90,000 to $135,000
• PwC: $96,000 to $138,000
• KPMG: $84,000 to $122,000
• EY: $87,000 to $128,000

Overall, EY offers competitive pay within the Big 4, with higher entry-level bases than some firms but slightly lower bonuses. EY-Parthenon narrows the gap further, sometimes exceeding Big 4 peers and approaching MBB ranges.

Why EY compares well:

• Strong base salaries for associates and consultants
• Career growth opportunities into senior and manager roles
• EY-Parthenon boosts competitiveness through stronger incentives
• Compensation is consistent across US offices

Is EY consulting prestigious compared to McKinsey, BCG, and Bain?

EY is respected as part of the Big 4, but it is generally considered less prestigious than McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. While salaries and exit opportunities are strong, MBB firms typically command more recognition in consulting and industry circles.

Prestige factors to consider:

• EY offers wide global reach and strong client base
• Exit opportunities exist in corporate strategy, tech, and finance roles
• MBB firms remain the most prestigious for consulting exits and compensation
• EY-Parthenon has improved EY’s positioning in high-end strategy consulting

For candidates, EY provides a blend of competitive salaries, international opportunities, and strong career paths. It may not carry MBB-level prestige, but it offers stability and broad experience that appeal to many professionals.

Final Thoughts

In summary, an EY Consulting salary offers competitive pay across all levels, with consistent career progression and strong benefits. Whether you begin as an intern, consultant, or senior leader, EY provides a clear path for advancement. While MBB firms pay more at the top, EY remains a highly attractive choice for candidates seeking both financial reward and career growth.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How much are EY bonuses?
A: EY bonuses vary by level, but consultants typically receive performance bonuses that can add 5 to 15% to their total annual compensation. EY manager salary and above often see higher incentive pay tied to firm performance.

Q: What’s the work-life balance like for EY consultants?
A: The work-life balance for EY consultants depends on client demands, but most report moderate hours compared to McKinsey or BCG. Flexibility and hybrid policies support sustainability in the consulting career path.

Q: How much does EY consulting pay for MBA?
A: EY consulting pays MBA hires a higher base salary, with EY consultant salary packages often starting around six figures. MBA consulting salary also includes signing bonuses and performance incentives.

Q: How often do consultants get promoted?
A: Consultants at EY are typically promoted every 2 to 3 years, depending on performance and business needs. This progression applies across levels, from EY senior consultant salary to EY partner salary.

Q: Which Big 4 pays consultants the most?
A: Among the Big 4 consulting salaries, Strategy& (PwC) and EY-Parthenon salary packages often rank higher than Deloitte or KPMG. However, base salary ranges and bonuses vary by role, level, and location.